This phrase has been going around in my mind for a few weeks now, and I perceive a new dimension or insight into “sharing in his sufferings.” I remember well when our children were small, I often felt that I “suffered” with them because of their misconduct. Sometimes that suffering was merely emotional as I hurt for their wrong decisions and desired deeply for them to want to be obedient and to do those things which pleased the Lord.
Now in a spiritual realm we experience the same emotional suffering when “our” spiritual “children” make wrong choices and stray from the Bible’s teachings. Thinking about this one day, this verse in Philippians came to mind and I asked myself if this also might be part of the “fellowship of His sufferings.” Certainly, His heart is hurt and saddened and He suffers with my wrrong actions and attitudes, just as I do for those whom I disciple in the Word.
Having this perspective, helped me to think more compassionately and less condemningly toward these babes in Christ for He never condemns me, but always corrects in lovingkindness.
And, I also thank the Lord for being able to empathize at least to a small degree with His earthly ministry, “sharing in His sufferings.”
This radiant smile does not allow even a hint of the emotional sufferings this couple have known and we have walked through with them. She first began to study the Bible when she was new to our town and had been asked to teach catechism classes. Wanting to know the Bible better before she taught it, she sought out my sister in law and I.
At that time we were team teaching through the Bible, using the chronological method, for ladies in our community. Later, a couples Bible study was begun and her husband came as well. “A.. and I..” came to know the Lord and began to grow in Christ. He worked at a bank here in town and she owned and operated a small children’s clothing store.
As they grew in Christ they also began to face some crises–financial, marital, emotional, spiritual. One evening we went to their home and found all the family crying and the angry husband ready to walk out on everything and everyone. Desperation led her to seriously consider suicide, but God intervened on two different occasions to foil her plans.
They have moved frequently because of his job and we have followed them along their journey. About a year after they left our town, they found an evangelical church in their new town of residence and we saw some very positive things happening in their spiritual lives, praise God. Now yet another five or so years later, they were recently baptized in the church where they are now participating. When I look at these happy faces, having seen wonderful changes come about, I surely praise God for His unfailing love and faithfulness.
Yes, we have known some “sharing in His sufferings,” but also He gives us occasional glimpses of His glory in the lives of these who have come to Christ. It is worth it all to serve Jesus.